Next-gen iPhone to feature integrated NFC

Apple’s next-generation iPhone will feature an integrated NFC chip according to a new report, suggesting the Cupertino, California-based company may soon make its entrance into the mobile payment space. A report from 9to5Mac states that an analysis of code from Apple’s latest iOS software includes references to an integrated NFC chip and antenna. The inclusion of these elements suggests Apple could be readying a mobile payment service that will be tied to the Passbook app the company recently unveiled to compete with the likes of Google Wallet and Microsoft’s upcoming wallet service. Apple may also add wireless sharing features and other new NFC-based solutions to the sixth-generation iPhone, which is expected to launch this fall according to a BGR report from last December.